Legacy’s Board of Directors has the ability to approve special, out-of-cycle grants to nonprofit organizations as a way to assist with challenging circumstances, unique projects, and/or to help provide humanitarian relief.

The Community Fund (CF) is an outcome of generous giving by Legacy Endowment’s Board of Directors and is at times combined with gifts from other external individuals or entities who have an affinity for the Fund’s purpose. CF is an immediate use, non-endowed fund* used to award special, out-of-cycle grants and minor sponsorship gifts to nonprofits.

WHO QUALIFIES:

Grant/sponsorship applications are welcomed from nonprofit organizations who meet ALL of the following:

1. The representing organization must be exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

• • Legacy may consider non-Section 501(c)(3) organizations.  Please contact our office at 760-941-8646 in advance of submitting a request to determine whether your organization would be considered.

2. The request must be for projects, programs, services or initiatives that provide direct impact for the residents of Bonsall and Fallbrook, its surrounding region, and North San Diego County in general. However, consideration will also be given for requests submitted from organizations headquartered outside these described areas, having chapters or branch locations benefiting those living in the described area. Applicants submitting from headquartered organizations outside the region will need to provide language within the application demonstrating geographic linkage to those served.
3. The recipient organization agrees to provide verification as to how the money was spent within 12 months of the award. This can be in the form of a written report, stewardship letter, or organizational document that applies to the project, program, service or initiative for which the monies were provided.
4. Matching funds are not required, however, the decision to give applications with matching funds higher consideration is at the Board's discretion.
5. The request is to fund immediate use intent/impact not related to operating, overhead, capital campaigns, or other non-project needs.

FUNDS MAY NOT BE AWARDED TO:

• Assist a religious, fraternal, or political purpose;
• Aid organizations whose primary function is to assist other charitable or public groups of activities through grants and donations;
• Offset an organizational operating budget gap.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

What are the deadlines for applications?

For the Community Fund, we accept grant requests year-round.

What size grants does the Foundation generally make?

The minimum amount awarded is $250.

What is the difference between a regular grant and a grant/sponsorship from the Community Fund?

Applications are received at any time versus Legacy Endowment’s calendar year cycle for grants made from its endowed funds. Community Fund grants are intended to be a quicker, easier method of getting a donation into the hands of a nonprofit while still maintaining proper oversight.

Do you fund program requests?

Yes.

How often can we apply?

Applicants may only apply two times within a 12-month period.  Only one grant will be made in a 12-month timeframe for the same project.

If a big change occurs within our organization after we submit the proposal, should we contact you?

Yes. We would expect you to keep us apprised.

Do you need multiple copies of the application? Should they be bound?
One copy is fine. Please do not bind materials. Materials sent should not exceed 5 pages.

What happens after an application is received?

It is reviewed for completeness, then submitted to the entire Board for final review and possible approval.

How long does it take to get a grant?

If all requirements have been met, no more than 30 days from application receipt.

When will I know if our proposal has been funded?

Following our decision, a letter will notify you of the grant and reporting requirements.

* The Board of Directors reserves the right to suspend or reinstate this grant application process at any time.